Sealing element and method for producing a sealing element

ABSTRACT

In order to provide a sealing element which ensures a reliable seal and which can be produced easily and economically, it is proposed that a main body of the sealing element is formed from a partially fluorinated or fully fluorinated thermoplastic material which is injection-moldable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/606,177, filed on May 26, 2017, which is a continuation ofinternational application No. PCT/EP2015/077950 filed on Nov. 27, 2015,and claims the benefit of German application No. 10 2014 224 378.5 filedon Nov. 28, 2014 which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a sealing element, in particular foruse as a rod seal, piston seal and/or shaft seal.

Such a sealing element is known by way of example from DE 10 2012 112594 A1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a sealing elementwhich ensures a reliable seal and which can be produced easily andeconomically.

This object is achieved by way of example by a sealing element accordingto claim 1.

It can be favorable if the sealing element comprises a main body made ofa thermoplastic material, wherein the main body has obtained at leastpart of its final outer shape in a high-pressure process and/or in ahigh-temperature process.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the sealing element comprises amain body made of a thermoplastic material, wherein the main body hasobtained only part of its final outer shape in a high-pressure processand/or in a high-temperature process.

The sealing element, in particular the main body of the sealing element,is preferably produced with near net shape.

A final outer shape is in particular the shape that the main body has inthe state of use of the sealing element or in the state ready for use.

A final outer shape is also in particular a shape in which there is nofurther processing, for example no re-shaping of the surface, before themain body is used as intended as part of the sealing element.

It can be advantageous if the main body, at least in part or only inpart, has a surface finish which comprises a body shaped and/orcompleted in a high-pressure process and/or in a high-temperatureprocess.

It can be advantageous if the main body, at least in part or only inpart, has a surface finish which comprises a body shaped and/orcompleted in an injection molding process.

In one embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the main bodyis substantially annular.

The main body preferably comprises one or more radially inner sealingportions and also one or more radially outer sealing portions withrespect to the annular shape.

For simplification, the sealing portions will be discussed hereinafterin the singular. However, a plurality of sealing portions having one ormore of the mentioned features can of course also be provided at alltimes.

The main body can be of circular annular shape by way of example.

A radially inner sealing portion serves preferably to provide a dynamicseal on a movable element, in particular a piston, a rod, or a shaft.

A radially outer sealing portion serves preferably to provide a staticseal on a housing of a sealing device.

It can be favorable if the radially inner sealing portion and/or theradially outer sealing portion has obtained its final outer shape in thehigh-pressure process and/or in the high-temperature process.

It can be provided here that only the radially inner sealing portion oronly the radially outer sealing portion or both the radially innersealing portion and the radially outer sealing portion have obtained thefinal outer shape in the high-pressure process and/or in thehigh-temperature process.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that a radially innersealing portion and/or a radially outer sealing portion have obtainedthe respective final outer shape by means of a finishing operation, forexample a machining operation.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that themain body comprises two ends which are opposite one another with respectto an axial direction and which in particular in the state of use of thesealing element come into contact with fluids to be separated from oneanother.

Only one of the ends or both ends have obtained the final outer shapepreferably in the high-pressure process and/or in the high-temperatureprocess.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that only one of theends or both ends have obtained the final outer shape by means of afinishing operation, for example a machining operation.

One end or both ends are preferably provided with one or more springelement receptacles for receiving one or more spring elements.

It can be favorable if the main body comprises a thermoplastic materialwhich in particular can be injection molded, or is formed from athermoplastic material which in particular can be injection molded.

The thermoplastic material can be in particular a fluoro-thermoplasticmaterial, for example a fully fluorinated thermoplastic material.

The main body is preferably an injection-molded component, in particulara plastics injection-molded component.

The sealing element can be a spring-loaded groove ring, for example.

The sealing element then preferably comprises one or more springelements, which for example are formed from a spring steel and have anannular shape at least roughly.

Here, one or more spring elements by way of example can have a U-shaped,V-shaped or L-shaped cross-section as considered at right angles to acircumferential direction.

One or more spring elements are preferably self-gripping, in particularin such a way that the one spring element or the plurality of springelements are fixable without undercut in the spring element receptacleof the sealing element.

The present invention also relates to the use of a sealing element, inparticular a sealing element according to the invention, as a rod seal,piston seal and/or shaft seal.

Here, the sealing element is preferably used in a fuel pump and/or apiston pump for sealing two media spaces.

The use according to the invention preferably has one or more of thefeatures and/or advantages described in conjunction with the sealingelement according to the invention.

The present invention also relates to a method for producing a sealingelement.

In this regard, the object of the invention is to provide a method bymeans of which a sealing element that provides a reliable seal can beproduced easily and economically.

This object is achieved in accordance with the invention by a methodaccording to the independent method claim.

The method preferably comprises the following:

producing a main body of the sealing element from a thermoplasticmaterial, wherein the main body obtains at least part of its final outershape or only part of its final outer shape in a high-pressure processand/or in a high-temperature process.

The method according to the invention preferably has one or more of thefeatures and/or advantages described in conjunction with the sealingelement according to the invention and/or the use according to theinvention.

It can be favorable if the high-pressure process comprises an embossingprocess, a press molding process, an injection molding process and/or adiecasting process.

The main body thus obtains at least part of its final outer shape oronly part of its final outer shape preferably in an embossing process, apress molding process, an injection molding process and/or a pressurediecasting process.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that thehigh-temperature process comprises a hot embossing process, a hot pressmolding process, an injection molding process, a casting process, asintering process and/or a thermoforming process.

The main body thus obtains at least part of its final outer shape oronly part of its final outer shape preferably in a hot embossingprocess, a hot press molding process, an injection molding process, acasting process, a sintering process and/or a thermoforming process.

It can be favorable if the main body of the sealing element is subjectedto a finishing operation only in part after the high-pressure processand/or the high-temperature process have/has been performed.

By way of example, a partial finishing only on one side can be provided,in particular a one-sided finishing axially and/or radially.

However, it can also be provided that the main body is subjected to afinishing operation on both sides in the axial direction and/or on bothsides in the radial direction.

The main body is preferably machined.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the main body iscoated for the finishing or as the finishing.

One or more sealing portions of the sealing element are preferablyproduced by a processing of the main body.

By way of example, it can be provided that one or more dynamic sealingportions of the sealing element and/or one or more static sealingportions of the sealing element are produced by a processing, inparticular a machining, of the main body.

One or more spring element receptacles for receiving one or more springelements are preferably not subjected to a finishing operation, butinstead obtain their final outer shape preferably in the high-pressureprocess and/or in the high-temperature process.

It can be particularly advantageous if the main body is produced frompartially fluorinated or fully fluorinated thermoplastic material whichpreferably is injection-moldable.

It can be provided that the main body is formed from pure PTFE material.

The thermoplastic material (plastics material) is preferablymelt-processable.

The plastics material used is preferably a TFE copolymer with acomonomer content of more than 0.5 wt %. By means of a comonomer contentof this order, the molecular weight of the polymer chains can be reducedwithout detriment to the mechanical strength of the material, andtherefore the melt viscosity is reduced and processing by means ofinjection molding is made possible.

The comonomer is preferably selected from a perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether,in particular perfluoromethyl vinyl ether, hexafluoropropylene andperfluoro-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole). Depending on the comonomercontent, the fully fluorinated thermoplastic is then what is known as amelt-processable PTFE (comonomer content up to approximately 3 wt. %), aPFA (more than approximately 3 wt. % perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether ascomonomer), an MFA (more than approximately 3 wt. % perfluoromethylvinyl ether as comonomer), or an FEP (more than approximately 3 wt. %hexafluoropropylene as comonomer).

The TFE copolymer can also comprise different comonomers. It is alsopossible that the fully fluorinated thermoplastic comprises a mixture ofdifferent TFE copolymers.

The material of the main body can be formed in part or substantiallycompletely from the fully fluorinated thermoplastic. Alternatively oradditionally, the material can comprise one or more fillers, inparticular pigments, friction-reducing additives and/or additivesincreasing the thermal resistance, in order to further optimize theproperties of the sealing element and to adapt these to the relevantrequirements.

The sealing element is suitable in particular for sealing pistons inhigh-pressure fuel pumps or piston pumps for brake systems (ABS, ESP,etc.).

In particular, a thermoplastic material that is resistant tohigh-temperature and/or chemicals, in particular PEEK, PEAK, PEI, etc.,and/or a compound material comprising one or more of the above-mentionedmaterials can also be used as thermoplastic material.

A high dimensional stability of the thermoplastic material can beattained in particular by production of the main body of the sealingelement in an injection molding process so as to ultimately seal offhigher pressures in particular.

The high-pressure process is in particular a high-pressure formingprocess.

The high-temperature process is preferably a high-temperature formingprocess and/or a high-temperature conversion process.

It can be provided that the high-pressure process and/or the hightemperature process are the only process steps or step for producing themain body.

Alternatively, further process steps can be carried out in order toproduce the main body.

By way of example, in order to produce a main body of a sealing element,it can be provided that the thermoplastic material is pre-fabricated inan extrusion process, in particular a ram extrusion process, and is thenbrought into the final outer shape by grinding and milling, turning, orother machining operation.

It can also be provided that a main body of a sealing element isproduced by carrying out the following method steps: extruding thethermoplastic material, in particular melt-extruding the thermoplasticmaterial; grinding; machining in a turning machine; hot embossing; CNCfinishing, in particular in order to produce an inner contour, forexample one or more radially inner sealing portions.

It can be provided that a main body of the sealing element obtains atleast part of its final outer shape or only part of its final outershape or its entire final outer shape by means of turning and/ormachining.

By way of example, it can be provided that an inner side or underside ofthe main body facing towards the movable component in the mounted stateof the sealing element is subjected to a finishing operation after ashaping step.

In particular, one or more sealing edges and/or indentations can beformed and/or subjected to a finishing operation by turning and/ormachining.

The turning and/or machining can be performed by way of example with useof an axially and radially movable tool, which is guided axially andradially along the main body in accordance with the inner contour of themain body to be produced.

It can also be provided that the turning and/or machining is performedby way of example with use of a tool which comprises a processing edge,in particular a processing blade, complementary to the inner contour ofthe main body to be produced. The tool preferably can be guided on themain body from the inside out in a radial direction, in particular insuch a way that the desired inner contour is completed in a processingstep without axial movement.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that a main body of thesealing element is produced by carrying out the following method steps:pressing a blank; carrying out a sintering process; hot embossing; CNCprocessing, in particular in order to produce an inner contour, forexample one or more radially inner sealing portions.

A main body of a sealing element can also be produced for example bycarrying out the following method steps: pressing a blank; carrying outa sintering process; CNC processing of the main body, in particular inorder to produce an outer contour and/or an inner contour, for examplein order to produce one or more radially inner sealing portions and/orone or more radially outer sealing portions.

A main body of a sealing element can also be produced by carrying outthe following method steps: granulating a starting material; using thisstarting material in an injection molding process in order to producethe main body; subjecting the main body to a finishing operation asappropriate, in particular CNC processing in order to produce an innercontour, for example one or more radially inner sealing portions.

A completed main body can be connected as appropriate to furthercomponents of the sealing element, or can be assembled thereon, andfinally packaged.

The geometry of the sealing lips has a decisive influence on thetightness and the longevity of the sealing element. Consequently, theselection of the optimal geometry is one of the key challenges in theproduction of a sealing element.

By way of example, the lip geometry with a preferred lip thickness and apreferred lip contact angle together with a spring force and an overlapof the seal profile relative to a diameter of the movable component (inparticular piston rod diameter) result in the radial force, which isvery important for the dynamic tightness. The sealing edges of thedynamic sealing lips load the movable component with this radial force.

This radial force is decisive for the setting of the surface pressuredistribution in the sealing regions and also has a decisive influence onthe service life of such a sealing element. Excessively high radialforces lead to increased wear of the sealing element and accordingly toearly failure thereof. By contrast, insufficient radial forces lead toan inadequate tightness of the sealing element.

An optimal setting of the radial force results in a surface pressuredistribution in the region of the sealing edges which allows thebest-possible recovery of the removed lubricating film. This surfacepressure distribution is dependent on the geometry of the sealing lip asa whole, on the geometry of the sealing edges, on the geometry and thespring properties of the spring element, and on the changes over time tothe geometries and the spring properties, caused by wear and deformationof the sealing element.

A further challenge is the demolding of a double-acting seal in theinjection molding process, if this shaping process is selected forproduction of at least a portion of the sealing element. Optimallyformed sealing lips and sealing edge geometries would be heavilydeformed during the demolding of the inner core at the temperatureprevailing in the mold. For this reason, the inner geometry of thesealing lip/sealing edges must be changed so that the demolding can beperformed without excessively damaging the sealing edges. A number ofmeasures have proven to be advantageous for this purpose. In particular,a finite element simulation of the demolding process on earliergeometries has led to astonishing results.

It has surprisingly been found that the distribution of the radialforces over the sealing edges during the demolding is important.

In order to provide a simpler description of the geometry of the sealingelement, all details in this description are oriented preferably towardsa cross-section of the sealing element in a plane running through theaxis of symmetry. Any one-dimensional and/or point-related detailsconsequently result in lines or curves, in particular annular curves,with interpolation to the entire sealing element. Any two-dimensionaland/or line-related or curve-related details consequently result insurfaces, in particular annular surfaces, with interpolation to theentire sealing element. Any two-dimensional and/or surface-relateddetails consequently result in spaces, in particular annular spaces,with interpolation to the entire sealing element.

By way of example, it is advantageous if a spacing between a sealingedge and a recess, which adjoins said sealing edge in a manner directedinwardly in the axial direction, is at least roughly of equal size foreach sealing edge.

A spacing in this description and the accompanying claims is inparticular:

(i) a spacing along a direction running parallel to an upper side orsurface of the sealing lip facing away from the at least one sealingedge, or

(ii) a spacing along a direction running at right angles to an upperside or surface of the sealing lip facing away from the at least onesealing edge, or

(iii) a spacing along a direction running parallel to the axis ofsymmetry of the sealing element, i.e. a spacing in the axial direction,or

(iv) a spacing along a direction running at right angles to the axis ofsymmetry of the sealing element, i.e. a spacing in the radial direction.

A recess in this description and the accompanying claims is inparticular:

(i) a point of an indentation in the sealing lip which locally has amaximum spacing from the axis of symmetry in relation to the radialdirection, or

(ii) a point of an indentation in the sealing lip which locally has aminimum spacing from an upper side or surface of the sealing lip, inparticular in relation to a direction of thickness of the sealing lip,or

(iii) the indentation as a whole.

By way of example, a spacing between a sealing edge which is an outersealing edge in the axial direction and a recess adjoining this sealingedge in a manner directed inwardly in the axial direction can be atleast approximately 0.5 mm, preferably at least approximately 0.6 mm.

Furthermore, a spacing between a sealing edge which is an outer sealingedge in the axial direction and a recess adjoining this sealing edge ina manner directed inwardly in the axial direction can be at mostapproximately 1.5 mm, preferably at most approximately 1.0 mm, inparticular at most approximately 0.9 mm, for example approximately 0.8mm.

By way of example a spacing between a sealing edge which is an innersealing edge in the axial direction and a recess adjoining said sealingedge in a manner directed inwardly in the axial direction can be atleast approximately 0.5 mm, preferably at least approximately 0.6 mm.

Furthermore, a spacing between a sealing edge which is an inner sealingedge in the axial direction and a recess adjoining this sealing edge ina manner directed inwardly in the axial direction can be at mostapproximately 2.5 mm, preferably at most approximately 1.0 mm, inparticular at most approximately 0.9 mm, for example approximately 0.8mm.

The recess which adjoins a sealing edge in a manner directed inwardly inthe axial direction is in particular an undercut that has an effect whenremoving the sealing element from an injection mold.

A spacing between a sealing edge and a recess adjoining said sealingedge in a manner directed inwardly in the axial direction is inparticular a flank length of the sealing edge.

By way of example, the flank lengths of adjacent sealing edges of asealing lip or all sealing lips differ from one another by at mostapproximately 15%, preferably at most approximately 5%.

It can be favorable if a flank length of the sealing edge which is aninner sealing edge in the axial direction is smaller than a flank lengthof the sealing edge which is an outer sealing edge in the axialdirection, for example by at least 0.05 mm, in particular at leastapproximately 0.1 mm, and/or by at most approximately 0.2 mm, inparticular at most approximately 0.15 mm. In this way, the radial forcecan temporarily load the primary sealing edge more heavily for exampleas the sealing element is demolded. The primary sealing edge is arrangedfurther outwardly in the axial direction and is more flexible than thesecondary sealing edge, which is an inner sealing edge in the axialdirection. In spite of the temporarily heavier loading, the primarysealing edge is therefore preferably at a lower risk of beingplastically deformed.

It can also be provided that a flank length of the sealing edge which isan outer sealing edge in the axial direction is smaller than a flanklength of the sealing edge which is an inner sealing edge in the axialdirection, for example by at least approximately 0.05 mm, in particularat least approximately 0.1 mm, and/or by at most approximately 0.2 mm,in particular at most approximately 0.15 mm.

A sealing edge angle which is enclosed on the one hand by a flank of asealing edge adjoining said sealing edge in a manner directed inwardlyin the axial direction and on the other hand by an axis of symmetry ofthe sealing element is preferably of at least roughly equal size foreach sealing edge.

The sealing edge angles of adjacent sealing edges of a sealing lip orall sealing lips preferably differ from one another by at mostapproximately 15%, preferably at most approximately 5%.

A sealing edge which is an outer sealing edge in the axial direction ispreferably a primary sealing edge.

A sealing edge which is an inner sealing edge in the axial direction ispreferably a secondary sealing edge, in particular if no further sealingedge is arranged between the outer sealing edge and the inner sealingedge.

By suitable selection of the flank lengths and/or the sealing edgeangles, the radial load, which weighs on both sealing edges, during thedemolding is preferably distributed uniformly and for a longer time overboth sealing edges. Both sealing edges are thus preferablysimultaneously raised and lowered again during the demolding.

A diameter of the movable component is preferably at least approximately4 mm, for example at least approximately 5 mm, and/or at mostapproximately 18 mm, for example at most approximately 13 mm.

The movable component is in particular a piston rod.

It has surprisingly been found that smaller radii at the sealing edgesare more sensitive to forced demolding than larger radii. Accordingly,larger radii are more easily demolded than smaller radii. As a result ofthe demolding, the sealing edges experience a certain plasticdeformation, since the temperature prevailing during the demolding ishigh and the material at this temperature often does not have asufficiently high strength to fully maintain its shape. The radii canthen be distorted by plastic deformation.

A reliable sealing effect alongside good demolding behavior is providedin particular if the following parameters are observed:

a sealing edge radius of a sealing edge which is an inner sealing edgein the axial direction is preferably at least approximately 0.1 mm, inparticular at least approximately 0.15 mm, for example approximately 0.2mm;

a sealing edge radius of a sealing edge which is an inner sealing edgein the axial direction is preferably at most approximately 0.5 mm, inparticular at most approximately 0.25 mm;

a sealing edge radius of a sealing edge which is an outer sealing edgein the axial direction is preferably at least approximately 0.1 mm, inparticular at least approximately 0.15 mm, for example approximately 0.2mm;

a sealing edge radius of a sealing edge which is an outer sealing edgein the axial direction is preferably at most approximately 0.5 mm, inparticular at most approximately 0.25 mm;

a radius of curvature of an indentation which is an inner indentation inthe axial direction is preferably at least approximately 0.1 mm, inparticular at least approximately 0.15 mm, for example approximately 0.2mm;

a radius of curvature of an indentation (between two sealing edges)which is an outer indentation in the axial direction is preferably atmost approximately 0.3 mm, in particular at most approximately 0.25 mm.

The sealing lip geometries that have proved their worth in sealingsystems of fuel pumps can prove to be too stable and/or too stiff to besatisfactorily demolded, in particular with the use offluoro-thermoplastics which can be injection molded on account of thehigher rigidity compared to materials based on PTFE.

It has proven to be advantageous if a sealing lip thickness at anarrowest point on an inner side of a sealing edge which is an innersealing edge in the axial direction is at least approximately 0.4 mm,preferably at least approximately 0.5 mm, for example approximately 0.6mm.

It can also be provided that a sealing lip thickness at a narrowestpoint on an inner side of a sealing edge which is an inner sealing edgein the axial direction is at most approximately 1.0 mm, preferably atmost approximately 0.7 mm.

It can be favorable if a sealing lip thickness at a narrowest pointbetween a sealing edge which is an inner sealing edge in the axialdirection and a sealing edge which is an outer sealing edge in the axialdirection is at least approximately 0.3 mm, preferably at leastapproximately 0.4 mm, for example approximately 0.5 mm.

It can also be provided that a sealing lip thickness at a narrowestpoint between a sealing edge which is an inner sealing edge in the axialdirection and a sealing edge which is an outer sealing edge in the axialdirection is at most approximately 0.9 mm, preferably at mostapproximately 0.6 mm.

It has been found that, in particular with the use of the preferredmaterial, on account of the higher rigidity and strength, the describedthicknesses can be sufficient for example to reliably seal the pressuresof a fuel pump prevailing during operation. In addition, the describedthicknesses can be necessary to be able to demold the sealing elementwithout causing any damage.

A sealing lip angle is preferably an angle which is enclosed on the onehand by a surface or upper side of a sealing lip facing away from atleast one sealing edge and on the other hand by the axis of symmetry.

In a completed state of the main body, in which this is ready inparticular to receive and/or fix one or more, in particular two, springelements, a sealing lip angle of one or both sealing lips is for exampleat least approximately 2°, preferably at least approximately 3°, inparticular approximately 5°.

In a completed state of the main body, in which this is ready inparticular to receive and/or fix one or more, in particular two, springelements, a sealing lip angle of one or both sealing lips is for exampleat most approximately 12°, preferably at most approximately 10°, inparticular approximately 8°.

The completed state of the main body, in which this is ready inparticular to receive and/or fix one or more, in particular two, springelements, is followed, preferably once the one or more, in particulartwo, spring elements has/have been received and/or fixed, by anassembly-ready state of the sealing element, in which the sealingelement is completed and is prepared for installation in a device.

In the assembly-ready state of the sealing element, a sealing lip angleis greater than in the completed state of the main body, preferably byat least approximately 1°, for example at least approximately 2°, inparticular approximately 3°, in particular on account of the effect ofthe spring element.

In the assembly-ready state of the sealing element, a sealing lip angleis greater than in the completed state of the main body, preferably byat most approximately 10°, for example at most approximately 6°, inparticular approximately 3°, in particular on account of the effect ofthe spring element.

A reduction of the sealing lip angle reduces the radial force duringdemolding, since a smaller undercut between shaping device and sealingelement is achieved by the straightening of the sealing lip. If theangle is changed to 0° (inner contour of the sealing lip parallel to theaxis; the surface or upper side of a sealing lip facing away from the atleast one sealing edge is parallel to the axis of symmetry), the overlapof the sealing element with the movable component is thus smaller, as isthe radial force with the same spring element.

If the main body for example in a first step, in particular in aninjection molding step, obtains a first shape, with which the sealinglip angle is approximately 3° or less, it can be necessary to subjectthe main body to a finishing operation.

A post-treatment of the sealing lip (also referred to as calibration ofthe sealing lip) can be necessary, for example after the injectionmolding step, in particular in order to achieve a necessary overlapand/or pressing effect of the sealing lips or sealing edges with oragainst the movable component.

Such a post-treatment can be carried out cold or also preferably at anincreased temperature, in particular so as to counteract a shape-memoryeffect for example with the use of fluoropolymers.

In particular with the use of the sealing element as a fuel pump seal,the sealing lips preferably each have two or more sealing edges.

Recesses which are intended to promote the lubrication of the sealingelement are preferably formed between the sealing edges.

These recesses thus serve preferably as lubrication stores and should beable to receive sufficient volumes so as to be able to maintain thelubrication and/or so as to be able to momentarily store a certainamount of fuel or engine oil in the event of temporarily higher leaks.

Deep recesses offer a larger storage space, but can also hinderdemolding if the sealing element for example is produced in an injectionmolding process.

In particular, deep recesses can lead to severe plastic deformation ofthe sealing edges during demolding.

The depth of a recess is preferably a height difference between asealing edge and a recess adjoining this sealing edge in a mannerdirected inwardly in the axial direction.

Here, the height difference is in particular a spacing along a directionrunning at right angles to an upper side or surface of the sealing lipfacing away from the at least one sealing edge.

It can be advantageous if a height difference between a sealing edge anda recess adjoining this sealing edge in a manner directed inwardly inthe axial direction is at least approximately 0.1 mm, preferably atleast approximately 0.15 mm, for example at least approximately 0.2 mm.

It can also be favorable if a height difference between a sealing edgeand a recess adjoining this sealing edge in a manner directed inwardlyin the axial direction is at most approximately 0.4 mm, preferably atmost approximately 0.3 mm, for example at most approximately 0.25 mm.

The height difference can also be referred to as a storage depth.

All of the described features and advantages of a sealing lip or sealingedge can relate both to the sealing lip(s) and/or the sealing edge(s) ofthe static sealing portion and to the sealing lip(s) and/or the sealingedge(s) of the dynamic sealing portion.

The sealing lips of the static sealing portion are preferably formedmirror-symmetrically to one another with respect to a transverse centralplane running at right angles to the axis of symmetry.

The sealing lips of the dynamic sealing portion are preferably formedmirror-symmetrically to one another with respect to a transverse centralplane running at right angles to the axis of symmetry.

The sealing lips of the dynamic sealing portions act preferably indirections opposite one another.

All sealing edges of both sealing lips of the dynamic sealing portionsprotrude and/or act preferably in a manner directed inwardly in theradial direction.

The sealing element is in particular a double-acting sealing element.

The thermoplastic material preferably is producible or is produced asfollows:

It can be favorable if the thermoplastic material is a compound materialwhich in particular is producible or is produced by means of acompounding facility.

The compounding facility preferably comprises an extruder, in particulara screw extruder, for example a twin-screw extruder.

In particular the screw speed, screw geometry, mixing ratio of thestarting materials, and a temperature profile must be accuratelycontrolled by means of open-loop and/or closed-loop control in order toensure the desired material parameters.

In order to produce the thermoplastic material, one or more of thefollowing processing conditions, in particular all of the followingprocessing conditions, are preferably observed:

Parameter Unit Value Raw material 1-Fluoropolymer % 94 Raw material2-Carbon fiber % 4 Raw material 3-Graphite % 2 Screw diameter mm 25Ratio of length to diameter — 42 Temperatures in the successive zones ofthe plasticizing unit: C1 ° C.  80 ± 20 C2 ° C. 340 ± 20 C3 ° C. 360 ±20 C4 ° C. 365 ± 20 C5 ° C. 350 ± 20 C6 ° C. 340 ± 20 Screw speed rpm180 ± 40 Mass pressure bar 12 ± 6 Mass temperature ° C. 360 ± 20(Temperature at the exit of the extruder) Mass throughput kg/h 15 ± 5Extraction speed m/min 15 ± 5

It can be favorable if a fluoropolymer content of the thermoplasticmaterial, in respect of its mass and/or its volume, is at leastapproximately 85%, preferably at least approximately 90%, for exampleapproximately 94%.

It can also be provided that a fluoropolymer content of thethermoplastic material, in respect of its mass and/or its volume, is atmost approximately 99%, preferably at most approximately 96%, forexample approximately 94%.

It can be favorable if a carbon fiber content of the thermoplasticmaterial, in respect of its mass and/or its volume, is at leastapproximately 0.5%, preferably at least approximately 2%, for exampleapproximately 4%.

It can also be provided that a carbon fiber content of the thermoplasticmaterial, in respect of its mass and/or its volume, is at mostapproximately 10%, preferably at most approximately 6%, for exampleapproximately 4%.

It can be favorable if a graphite content of the thermoplastic material,in respect of its mass and/or its volume, is at least approximately0.5%, preferably at least approximately 1.5%, for example approximately2%.

It can also be provided that a graphite content of the thermoplasticmaterial, in respect of its mass and/or its volume, is at mostapproximately 6%, preferably at most approximately 4%, for exampleapproximately 2%.

The thermoplastic material obtained in the described way is preferablyused to produce one or more sealing elements.

The thermoplastic material is for this purpose further processed, inparticular is brought into a desired shape in an injection moldingprocess, whilst retaining one or more of the following processingconditions, in particular all of the following processing conditions:

Parameter Unit Value Material name — VM3050 Screw diameter mm 25Temperatures in the successive zones of the plasticizing unit: C1 ° C.350 ± 20 C2 ° C. 365 ± 20 C3 ° C. 370 ± 20 C4 ° C. 375 ± 20 C5 ° C. 380± 20 Mold temperature ° C. 245 ± 20 Plasticizing volume cm³ 15.6Injection rate cm³/s 30 Injection pressure bar 1200 ± 100 Holdingpressure bar 160 Holding pressure time s 6 Residual cooling time s 15

The prominent properties of this thermoplastic material, called VM3050in the present case, when used for the production of sealing elementsare detailed in the table below in comparison with other materials:

Properties Test item PTFE compound VM3050 VM3044 VM3006 Processing —pressing, sintering thermoplastic thermoplastic thermoplastic (forexample (for example (for example injection injection injection molding)molding) molding) Filler content — carbon fiber: 10% carbon fiber: 4%PI: 20% PEEK: 30% graphite: 5% graphite: 2% carbon fiber: 10% graphite:10% Colour — black black yellow black Wear (bearing Seal 0.32 mm 0.41 mm0.6 mm 0.47 mm surface) Leak Seal 4 mm³/min 0.9 mm³/min 150 mm³/min 500mm³/min Radial force Seal without 120 ± 10N 220 ± 10N   70 ± 10N  90 ±10N (original) spring Radial force Seal without  90 ± 10N 130 ± 10N  40± 10N  80 ± 10N after thermal spring conditioning Radial force Seal with190 ± 10N 250 ± 10N 125 ± 10N 130 ± 10N (original) spring Radial forceSeal with 155 ± 10N 170 ± 10N 100 ± 10N 125 ± 10N after thermal springconditioning

The terms “approximately” or “roughly” preferably denote a maximumdeviation of at most 10%, in particular at most 5%, for example at most1%, of the specified value.

Further preferred features and/or advantages of the invention are thesubject of the following description and the representation in thedrawings of exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a main body of asealing element, wherein the main body has its final outer shape only inpart;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration, corresponding to FIG. 1, of themain body, wherein the main body has been processed to complete an outercontour;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration, corresponding to FIG. 1, of asealing element which comprises the completed main body and two springelements;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a sealing lip of asealing element, in which a middle portion is provided with a guideportion;

FIG. 5 shows an illustration, corresponding to FIG. 4, of a sealing lipof a sealing element, wherein the sealing element does not comprise aguide portion;

FIG. 6 shows an illustration, corresponding to FIG. 4, of a sealing lipin order to illustrate radii of the sealing edges of the sealing lip andalso radii of recesses in the sealing lip;

FIG. 7 shows an illustration, corresponding to FIG. 4, of a sealing lipin order to illustrate a sealing lip thickness;

FIG. 8 shows an illustration, corresponding to FIG. 4, of a sealing lipin order to illustrate a sealing lip angle; and

FIG. 9 shows an illustration, corresponding to FIG. 4, of a sealing lipin order to illustrate undercut depths and a storage depth of a store ofthe sealing lip.

In all Figures, like or functionally equivalent elements are providedwith the same reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 of a sealing element denotedas a whole by 100 is, for example, part of a high-pressure pump 102 andserves to provide a seal between two media spaces 104 in the region of amovable component 106.

The movable component 106 can be a piston of the high-pressure pump 102,for example.

The movable component 106 is in particular guided through the sealingelement 100.

Here, both the movable component 106 and the sealing element 100 arepreferably rotationally symmetrical about an axis of symmetry 108.

The axis of symmetry 108 is in particular oriented parallel to alongitudinal axis 110 of the movable component 106 and of the sealingelement 100.

The sealing element 100 and the movable component 106 have a common axisof symmetry 108 in the assembled state.

The longitudinal axis 110 preferably defines an axial direction 112.

A direction oriented at right angles to the axial direction 112 is aradial direction 114.

The media spaces 104 are preferably separated from one another in theaxial direction 112 by means of the sealing element 100.

The sealing element 100 preferably borders the movable component 106 inthe radial direction 114 in an inwardly directed manner by means of twodynamic sealing portions 116.

The sealing element 100 borders a housing 118 of the high-pressure pump102 in an outwardly directed manner in the radial direction 114.

The sealing element 100, in the assembled state, is fixed relative tothe housing 118.

Two sealing regions 120 of the sealing element 100 associated with thetwo media spaces 104 thus comprise, in addition to the dynamic sealingportions 116, also two static sealing portions 122 bearing against thehousing 118.

The dynamic sealing portions 116 serve to provide the dynamic sealbetween the sealing element 100 and the component 106 moving relative tothe sealing element 100, in particular displaceable along the axialdirection 112.

In order to attain an increased sealing effect, one or more springelements 124 of the sealing element 100 can be provided.

The one or more spring elements 124 in particular are arrangable orarranged in one or more spring element receptacles 126.

In particular, one or more dynamic sealing portions 116 are pressableagainst the movable component 106 by means of the one or more springelements 124.

Alternatively or additionally hereto, it can be provided that one ormore static sealing portions 122 are pressable against a housing 118 ofthe high-pressure pump 102 by means of the one or more spring elements124.

A spring element 124 is in particular annular, for example circularring-shaped, and for example has a V-shaped or U-shaped cross-section.

Each dynamic sealing portion 116 preferably comprises a sealing lip 127having one, two or more than two sealing edges 128.

Each sealing lip 127 and/or each sealing edge 128 is preferablysubstantially annular and substantially rotationally symmetrical aboutthe axis of symmetry 108.

The sealing edges 128 of each sealing lip 127 are arranged herepreferably at different spacings from a transverse central plane 130 ofthe sealing element 100 running at right angles to the longitudinal axis110 of the sealing element 100.

The sealing element 100 in particular comprises a main body 132, whichis formed preferably in one piece from a thermoplastic material.

The main body 132 in particular comprises one or more dynamic sealingportions 116, one or more static sealing portions 122, and one or morespring element receptacles 126.

The main body 132 by way of example can be produced as follows.

By way of example, a blank 134 of the main body 132 can be produced inan injection molding process.

The blank 134 of the main body 132 at this point has its final outershape only in portions.

In particular, merely the spring element receptacles 126 are completedat the time of production of the blank 134.

By contrast, the sealing portions 116, 122 must be subjected tofinishing in order to complete the main body 132, in particular bymachining, for example CNC processing.

As is clear in particular from a comparison of FIGS. 1 to 3, an outercontour can first be processed by way of example, in order to completethe radially outer static sealing portions 122. A radially innerprocessing can then be performed in order to complete the dynamicsealing portions 116.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the blank 134 is produced forexample in an injection molding method in such a way that both thestatic sealing portions 122 and the spring element receptacles 126already have the final outer shape after the execution of the injectionmolding process.

Merely the radially inner region then still has to be subjected to amechanical finishing operation in order to complete the dynamic sealingportions 116.

In particular, the main body 132 and thus the entire sealing element 100can be produced particularly efficiently and economically by acombination of production of the blank 134 in a high-pressure processand/or a high-temperature process, for example an injection moldingprocess, on the one hand and only partial subsequent processing in orderto complete the main body 132 on the other hand.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged sectional illustration of a sealing lip 127 ofa dynamic sealing portion 116 of an alternative embodiment of a sealingelement 100.

The sealing lip 127 of this sealing element 100 differs from the sealinglip 127 of the embodiment of the sealing element 100 illustrated in FIG.3 fundamentally by its geometry.

In order to explain the geometry of the sealing lip 127 in greaterdetail, the individual components and region of the sealing lip 127 willfirst be explained in greater detail:

The sealing lip 127 is formed by a portion of the main body 132 runningat a slight incline relative to the axial direction 112 from a middleportion 140 of the main body 132 and protruding slightly inwardly in theradial direction 114. Here, the sealing lip 127 comprises an underside142 facing towards the movable component 116 in the assembled state ofthe sealing element 100 and also an upper side 144 facing away from themovable component 106 in the assembled state of the sealing element 100.

The upper side 144 is substantially flat in cross-section. When thesealing element 100 is observed three-dimensionally, the upper side 144in particular has a lateral shape in the form of a truncated cone.

One or more, for example two, protrusions 146 is/are provided on theunderside 142 of the sealing lip 127.

These protrusions 146 form the sealing edges 128 of the sealing lip 127at their ends protruding inwardly in the radial direction 114.

The sealing edges 128 are each adjoined by a flank 148 directed inwardlyin the axial direction 112, that is to say in the direction of themiddle portion 140 of the main body 132.

A recess 150 or indentation 152 of the sealing lip 127 is provided on aside of each flank 148 facing away from the corresponding sealing edge128.

In particular, a recess 150 is thus provided between the two protrusions146 forming the sealing edge 128.

A further recess 150 is preferably formed between the sealing edge 128i, which is an inner sealing edge in the axial direction, and the middleportion 140 of the main body 132.

As can be derived from FIG. 4, the middle portion 140 of the main body132 can comprise a guide portion 154. This guide portion 154 preferablyhas a surface running parallel to the axis of symmetry 108 and serves tosupport and/or guide the movable component 106 in the case of a sidewardmovement of the movable component 106 in the state of use of the sealingelement 100.

A spacing of the guide portion 154 from the axis of symmetry 108 ispreferably greater here than a radius R_(B) of the movable component106.

The outer sealing edge 128 a of the sealing lip 127 forms a primarysealing edge 128.

The inner sealing edge 128 i of the sealing lip 127 forms a secondarysealing edge 128.

As can be derived from FIG. 4, the outer sealing edge 128 a and therecess 150 adjoining this outer sealing edge 128 a in a manner directedinwardly in the axial direction 112 have an axial spacing A_(aa) fromone another, which for example corresponds at least roughly to an axialspacing A_(ai) between the inner sealing edge 128 i and the recess 150adjoining this inner sealing edge 128 i in a manner directed inwardly inthe axial direction 112.

The spacing A_(aa) is preferably between approximately 0.5 mm toapproximately 2.5 mm, for example between approximately 0.5 mm toapproximately 1.5 mm, in particular between approximately 0.6 mm toapproximately 1 mm.

Both the spacing A_(aa) and the spacing A_(ai) are preferably based onthe spacing of the relevant parts of the sealing lip 127 from oneanother in the axial direction 112.

By suitable selection of the spacings A_(aa) and A_(ai), the sealingelement 100 can be removed with minimal damage from a molding device(not illustrated), for example in the case of production of said sealingelement in an injection molding method. In particular, the sealing lip127 can be bent outwardly in the radial direction 114 in the region ofthe outer sealing edge 128 a during the demolding process so as to alsoenable a demolding of the protrusion 146 forming the inner sealing edge128 i with minimal destruction.

During the demolding, the outer sealing edge 128 a and the inner sealingedge 128 i are preferably moved outwardly in the radial direction 114substantially evenly. The forces acting as a result on the sealing lip127 can then preferably be transferred and taken up evenly.

An alternative embodiment of a sealing lip 127 of a sealing element 100illustrated in FIG. 5 differs from the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4fundamentally in that the middle portion 140 does not have a guideportion 154.

A spacing A_(m) between the middle portion 140 and the movable component106 in the assembled state of the sealing element 100 is consequentlygreater than in the embodiment of the sealing element 100 illustrated inFIG. 4.

For the rest, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 coincides in terms ofstructure and function with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, andtherefore reference is made to the above description of FIG. 4 in thisregard.

In FIG. 6 radii R of the sealing edges 128 and of the recesses 150 areillustrated. The selection of the suitable radii in particularinfluences a demolding of the sealing element 100 after productionthereof in an injection molding method.

The radii R of the sealing edges 128 and of the recesses 150 arepreferably selected to be at least roughly of similar size.

By way of example, the radii are between approximately 0.1 mm andapproximately 0.5 mm, in particular approximately 0.2 mm.

However, radii R different from one another can also be provided.

By way of example, the radii R of the sealing edges 128 can be larger orsmaller than the radii R of the recesses 150.

As can be derived in particular from FIG. 7, the sealing lip 127 ispreferably formed so that a sealing lip thickness D₁ in the region ofthe recess 150 or indentation 152 between the middle portion 140 and theflank 148 of the inner sealing edge 128 i is greater than a sealing lipthickness D₂ between the two sealing edges 128 i, 128 a in the region ofthe recess 150 or indentation 152 arranged therebetween.

The sealing lip thickness D₁, D₂ is in each case a minimum spacingbetween the upper side 144 of the sealing lip 127 and the correspondingrecess 150 or indentation 152.

It can be provided that the sealing lip thickness D₁ by way of exampleis between approximately 0.4 mm to approximately 1 mm, in particularbetween approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 0.7 mm, preferablyapproximately 0.6 mm.

It can also be provided that the sealing lip thickness D₂ is betweenapproximately 0.3 mm to approximately 0.7 mm, in particular isapproximately 0.5 mm.

The sealing lip 127 is in particular formed here so that an optimal sealat the movable component 106 is ensured if this movable component 106 byway of example has a radius R_(B) between approximately 2 mm to 9 mm, inparticular approximately 2.5 mm to approximately 6.5 mm.

As can be derived in particular from FIG. 8, the sealing lip 127protrudes away from the middle portion 140 of the main body 132 of thesealing element 100 at an incline relative to the axial direction 112and at an incline relative to the radial direction 114.

A sealing lip angle α, which is enclosed on the one hand by the upperside 144 of the sealing lip 127 and on the other hand by the axis ofsymmetry 108, in the completed state of the main body 132 prior to theassembly of a spring element 124 is preferably between approximately 3°and approximately 10°. In a state of the sealing element 100 ready forassembly, i.e. following the assembly of the spring elements 124, thesealing lip angle α can be greater, for example by approximately 1° to3°.

It can be provided that the sealing lip angle α during production of themain body 132 is initially selected to be smaller. By way of example,when producing the main body 132 in an injection molding method, asealing lip angle α of 0° can be provided initially. The upper side 144of the sealing lip 127 then runs substantially parallel to the axis ofsymmetry 108.

In order to ensure an optimal sealing effect of the sealing element 100,a finishing operation or post-treatment of the main body 132 is thenpreferably performed after the production of the main body 132 in theinjection molding method.

In particular, it can be provided here that the sealing lip 127 isreshaped by cold deformation or deformation after or during a heating ofthe sealing lip 127 and/or of the entire main body 132, in particular soas to obtain a sealing lip angle α of more than approximately 3°.

In FIG. 9 undercut depths T are illustrated, which, on account of thegeometry of the sealing lip 127, have to be overcome when demolding thesealing element 100. An undercut depth T between the two sealing edges128 is here preferably smaller than an undercut depth T in the region ofthe middle portion 140 of the main body 132 and/or than in the region ofa recess 150 and/or indentation 152 arranged between the middle portion140 and the flank 148 of the inner sealing edge 128 i.

Due to the fact that the undercut depths T have to be overcome, thede-molding of the sealing element 100 from an injection mold is inparticular a forced demolding.

As can also be derived from FIG. 9, the sealing lip 127 preferably has astore 156 for receiving a medium, for example fuel or engine oil. Bymeans of the store 156, in particular a leak of the sealing element inthe region of the sealing lip 127 can be compensated for at leasttemporarily in that the medium guided past the outer sealing edge 128 ais received in the store 156. By suitable geometry of the sealing edges128 and/or the flanks 148, the received medium can be recovered into theadjacent media space 104 little by little, in particular with an axialmovement of the movable component 106.

A storage depth T_(D) is preferably a minimal spacing between the recess150 between the two sealing edges 128 and a straight line runningthrough the two sealing edges 128.

The storage depth T_(D) is preferably between approximately 0.1 mm toapproximately 0.4 mm, in particular between approximately 0.15 mm andapproximately 0.25 mm.

The parameters of a sealing lip 127 described with regard to FIGS. 4 to9 preferably apply to a sealing lip 127 of a dynamic sealing portion 116of the sealing element 100. It can also be provided that the describedvalues and parameters apply for both sealing lips 127 of both dynamicsealing portions 116.

In particular, it can be provided that the sealing element 100 in alldescribed embodiments is mirror-symmetrical with respect to thetransverse central plane 130.

The sealing element 100 is preferably also rotationally symmetricalabout the axis of symmetry 108 in each described embodiment.

Preferred embodiments can be the following.

1. Sealing element (100) for providing a seal between a first mediaspace (104) filled with a first medium and a second media space (104)filled with a second medium in the region of a movable component (106),which is guided or guidable through the sealing element (100)displaceably along a longitudinal axis (110) of the movable component(106) and/or rotatably along the longitudinal axis (110),

wherein the sealing element (100) comprises a main body (132), which hastwo dynamic sealing portions (116) which abut or are abuttable againstthe movable component (106),

wherein each dynamic sealing portion (116) has a sealing lip (127),wherein each sealing lip (127) comprises one, two or more sealing edges(128),

wherein the main body (132) is preferably formed from a partiallyfluorinated or fully fluorinated thermoplastic material and has obtainedat least part of its final outer shape or only part of its final outershape in particular in a high-pressure process and/or in ahigh-temperature process.

2. Sealing element (100) according to embodiment 1, characterized inthat the main body (132) is an injection-molded component and/or isformed from an injection-moldable partially fluorinated or fullyfluorinated thermoplastic material.

3. Sealing element (100) according to either one of embodiments 1 or 2,characterized in that a spacing (A) between a sealing edge (128) whichis an outer sealing edge in the axial direction (112) and a recessadjoining this sealing edge (128) in a manner directed inwardly in theaxial direction (112) is at least approximately 0.5 mm, preferably atleast approximately 0.6 mm.

4. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3,characterized in that a spacing (A) between a sealing edge (128) whichis an outer sealing edge in the axial direction (112) and a recess (150)adjoining this sealing edge (128) in a manner directed inwardly in theaxial direction (112) is at most approximately 1.5 mm, preferably atmost approximately 1.0 mm, in particular at most approximately 0.9 mm,for example approximately 0.8 mm.

5. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4,characterized in that a spacing (A) between a sealing edge (128) whichis an inner sealing edge in the axial direction (112) and a recess (150)adjoining this sealing edge (128) in a manner directed inwardly in theaxial direction (112) is at least approximately 0.5 mm, preferably atleast approximately 0.6 mm.

6. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5,characterized in that a spacing (A) between a sealing edge (128) whichis an inner sealing edge in the axial direction (112) and a recess (150)adjoining this sealing edge (128) in a manner directed inwardly in theaxial direction (112) is at most approximately 2.5 mm, preferably atmost approximately 1.0 mm, in particular at most approximately 0.9 mm,for example approximately 0.8 mm.

7. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6,characterized in that two flank lengths of adjacent sealing edges (128)of a sealing lip (127) or all sealing lips (127) differ from one anotherby at most approximately 15%, preferably at most approximately 5%.

8. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7,characterized in that a flank length of a sealing edge (128) which is aninner sealing edge in the axial direction (112) is smaller than a flanklength of a sealing edge (128) which is an outer sealing edge in theaxial direction (112), for example by at least approximately 0.05 mm, inparticular at least approximately 0.1 mm, and/or by at mostapproximately 0.2 mm, in particular at most approximately 0.15 mm.

9. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8,characterized in that a flank length of a sealing edge (128) which is anouter sealing edge in the axial direction (112) is smaller than a flanklength of a sealing edge (128) which is an inner sealing edge in theaxial direction (112), for example by at least approximately 0.05 mm, inparticular at least approximately 0.1 mm, and/or by at mostapproximately 0.2 mm, in particular at most approximately 0.15 mm.

10. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9,characterized in that a sealing edge angle which is enclosed on the onehand by a flank (148) of the sealing edge (128) adjoining a sealing edge(128) in a manner directed inwardly in the axial direction (112) and onthe other hand by an axis of symmetry (108) of the sealing element(100), is at least roughly of equal size preferably for each sealingedge (128), wherein the sealing edge angles of adjacent sealing edges(128) of a sealing lip (127) or of all sealing lips (127) differ fromone another preferably by at most approximately 15%, preferably at mostapproximately 5%.

11. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10,characterized in that a diameter of the movable component (106) ispreferably at least approximately 4 mm, for example at leastapproximately 5 mm, and/or at most approximately 18 mm, for example atmost approximately 13 mm.

12. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11,characterized in that a sealing edge radius of a sealing edge (128)which is an inner sealing edge in the axial direction (112) and/or asealing edge radius of a sealing edge (128) which is an outer sealingedge in the axial direction (112) is at least approximately 0.1 mm, inparticular at least approximately 0.15 mm, for example approximately 0.2mm.

13. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12,characterized in that a sealing edge radius of a sealing edge (128)which is an inner sealing edge in the axial direction (112) and/or asealing edge radius of a sealing edge (128) which is an outer sealingedge in the axial direction (112) are/is at most approximately 0.5 mm,in particular at most approximately 0.25 mm.

14. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13,characterized in that a sealing lip thickness (D) at a narrowest pointon an inner side of a sealing edge (128) which is an inner sealing edgein the axial direction (112) is at least approximately 0.4 mm,preferably at least approximately 0.5 mm, for example approximately 0.6mm.

15. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14,characterized in that a sealing lip thickness (D) at a narrowest pointon an inner side of a sealing edge (128) which is an inner sealing edgein the axial direction (112) is at most approximately 1.0 mm, preferablyat most approximately 0.7 mm.

16. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15,characterized in that a sealing lip thickness (D) at a narrowest pointbetween a sealing edge (128) which is an inner sealing edge in the axialdirection (112) and a sealing edge (128) which is an outer sealing edgein the axial direction (112) is at least approximately 0.3 mm,preferably at least approximately 0.4 mm, for example approximately 0.5mm.

17. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16,characterized in that a sealing lip thickness (D) at a narrowest pointbetween a sealing edge (128) which is an inner sealing edge in the axialdirection (112) and a sealing edge (128) which is an outer sealing edgein the axial direction (112) is at most approximately 0.9 mm, preferablyat most approximately 0.6 mm.

18. Sealing element (112) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17,characterized in that, in a completed state of the main body (132), asealing lip angle of one or both sealing lips (127) is for example atleast approximately 2°, preferably at least approximately 3°, inparticular approximately 5°.

19. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18,characterized in that, in a completed state of the main body (132), asealing lip angle of one or both sealing lips (127) is for example atmost approximately 12°, preferably at most approximately 10°, inparticular approximately 8°.

20. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19,characterized in that a height difference between a sealing edge (128)and a recess adjoining said sealing edge (128) in a manner directedinwardly in the axial direction (112) and/or a storage depth of thesealing lip (127) is at least approximately 0.1 mm, preferably at leastapproximately 0.15 mm, for example at least approximately 0.2 mm.

21. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20,characterized in that a height difference between a sealing edge (128)and a recess adjoining said sealing edge (128) in a manner directedinwardly in the axial direction (112) and/or a storage depth of thesealing lip (127) is at most approximately 0.4 mm, preferably at mostapproximately 0.3 mm, for example at most approximately 0.25 mm.

22. Sealing element (100), in particular according to any one ofembodiments 1 to 21, for providing a seal between a first media space(104) filled with a first medium and a second media space (104) filledwith a second medium in the region of a movable component (106), whichis guided or guidable through the sealing element (100) displaceablyalong a longitudinal axis (110) of the movable component (106) and/orrotatably along the longitudinal axis (110),

wherein the sealing element (100) comprises a main body (132), which hastwo dynamic sealing portions (116) which abut or are abuttable againstthe movable component (106),

wherein each dynamic sealing portion (116) has a sealing lip (127),wherein each sealing lip (127) comprises one, two or more sealing edges(128),

wherein the main body (132) is formed of a partially fluorinated orfully fluorinated thermoplastic material which is injection-moldable.

23. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23,characterized in that the main body (132) of the sealing element (100)has obtained at least part of its final outer shape or only part of itsfinal outer shape or its entire final outer shape by means of turningand/or machining.

24. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23,characterized in that an inner side or underside (142) of the main body(132) facing towards the movable component (106) in the mounted state ofthe sealing element (100) is subjected to a finishing operation after ashaping step.

25. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24,characterized in that a fluoropolymer content of the thermoplasticmaterial, in respect of its mass and/or its volume, is at leastapproximately 85%, preferably at least approximately 90%, for exampleapproximately 94%.

26. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25,characterized in that a fluoropolymer content of the thermoplasticmaterial, in respect of its mass and/or its volume, is at mostapproximately 99%, preferably at most approximately 96%, for exampleapproximately 94%.

27. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26,characterized in that a carbon fiber content of the thermoplasticmaterial, in respect of its mass and/or its volume, is at leastapproximately 0.5%, preferably at least approximately 2%, for exampleapproximately 4%.

28. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 27,characterized in that a carbon fiber content of the thermoplasticmaterial, in respect of its mass and/or its volume, is at mostapproximately 10%, preferably at most approximately 6%, for exampleapproximately 4%.

29. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 28,characterized in that a graphite content of the thermoplastic material,in respect of its mass and/or its volume, is at least approximately0.5%, preferably at least approximately 1.5%, for example approximately2%.

30. Sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 29,characterized in that a graphite content of the thermoplastic material,in respect of its mass and/or its volume, is at most approximately 6%,preferably at most approximately 4%, for example approximately 2%.

31. High-pressure pump (102), comprising at least one sealing element(100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 30.

32. Use of a high-pressure pump (102) according to embodiment 31 forinjecting a fuel into an internal combustion engine.

33. Use of a sealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1to 30 as a rod seal, piston seal and/or shaft seal, in particular in afuel pump and/or a piston pump.

34. Use of a partially fluorinated or fully fluorinated plasticsmaterial, which is injection-moldable, for producing a sealing element(100), in particular a sealing element (100) according to any one ofembodiments 1 to 30.

35. Method for producing a sealing element (100), in particular asealing element (100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 30,comprising:

producing a main body (132) of the sealing element (100) from apartially fluorinated or fully fluorinated thermoplastic material,wherein the main body (132) preferably obtains at least part of itsfinal outer shape or only part of its final outer shape in particular ina high-pressure process and/or in a high-temperature process.

36. Method according to embodiment 35, characterized in that thehigh-pressure process is an embossing process, a press molding process,an injection molding process and/or a pressure diecasting process.

37. Method according to any one of embodiments 35 or 36, characterizedin that the high-temperature process comprises a hot embossing process,a hot press molding process, an injection molding process, a castingprocess, a sintering process and/or a thermoforming process.

38. Method according to any one of claims 35 to 37, characterized inthat the main body (132) of the sealing element (100) is subjected to afinishing operation only in part after the high-pressure process and/orthe high-temperature process have/has been performed.

39. Method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 38, characterizedin that the main body (132) is machined and/or coated fully or in part.

40. Method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 39, characterizedin that one or more sealing portions (116, 122) of the sealing element(100), in particular sealing edges (128), is/are produced by mechanicalprocessing, in particular machining, of the main body (132).

41. Method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 40, characterizedin that the main body (132), in an injection molding step, obtains afirst shape, with which a sealing lip angle of one or both sealing lips(127) of the dynamic sealing portion (116) is approximately 3° or less.

42. Method according to embodiment 41, characterized in that the mainbody (132) is subjected to a post-treatment, in particular a thermaland/or mechanical post-treatment, in such a way that the sealing lipangle of one or both sealing lips (127) of the dynamic sealing portion(116) is increased to more than approximately 3°, for example at leastapproximately 5°.

43. Method, in particular according to any one of embodiments 35 to 42,for producing a sealing element (100), in particular a sealing element(100) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 30, comprising:

producing a main body (132) of the sealing element (100) from apartially fluorinated or fully fluorinated thermoplastic material whichis injection-moldable.

44. Method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 43, characterizedin that the main body (132) of the sealing element (100) obtains atleast part of its final outer shape or only part of its final outershape or its entire final outer shape by means of turning and/ormachining.

45. Method according to any one of embodiments 35 or 44, characterizedin that an inner side or underside (142) of the main body (132) facingtowards the movable component (106) in the mounted state of the sealingelement (100) is subjected to a finishing operation after a shapingstep.

46. Method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 45, characterizedin that one or more sealing edges (128) and/or indentations (152) and/orrecesses (150) are formed and/or subjected to a finishing operation bymeans of turning and/or machining.

47. Method according to embodiment 46, characterized in that the turningand/or machining is performed with use of an axially and radiallymovable tool, which is guided axially and radially along the main body(100) in accordance with an inner contour of said main body to beproduced.

48. Method according to any one of embodiments 46 or 47, characterizedin that the turning and/or machining is performed with use of a toolwhich comprises a processing edge, in particular a processing blade,complementary to the inner contour of the main body (100) to beproduced.

49. Method according to embodiment 48, characterized in that the tool isguided against the main body (100) from the inside out in a radialdirection, in particular in such a way that the desired inner contour ofthe main body (132) is completed in a processing step without axialmovement.

50. Method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 49, characterizedin that the thermoplastic material is produced as a compound materialfrom (according to weight and/or volume) approximately 94%fluoropolymer, approximately 4% carbon fiber, and approximately 2%graphite.

51. Method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 50, characterizedin that the thermoplastic material is brought in succession, insuccessive zones of a plasticizing unit of a compounding facility, tothe following temperatures: 80±20° C., 340±20° C., 360±20° C., 365±20°C., 350±20° C., 340±20° C.

52. Method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 51, characterizedin that the thermoplastic material is brought in succession, insuccessive zones of a plasticizing unit of an injection molding facilityfor producing sealing elements (100), to the following temperatures:350±20° C., 365±20° C., 370±20° C., 375±20° C., 380±20° C.

1. A sealing element for providing a seal between a first media spacefilled with a first medium and a second media space filled with a secondmedium in a region of a movable component, which is guided or isguidable through the sealing element displaceably along a longitudinalaxis of the movable component or rotatably along the longitudinal axis,wherein the sealing element comprises a main body, which has two dynamicsealing portions which are abuttable against the movable component,wherein each dynamic sealing portion has a sealing lip, wherein eachsealing lip comprises one or more sealing edges, wherein the main bodyis formed from a partially fluorinated or fully fluorinatedthermoplastic material which is injection moldable, wherein afluoropolymer content of the injection moldable thermoplastic material,in respect of its mass, is at least approximately 85%, and wherein acarbon fiber content of the injection moldable thermoplastic material,in respect of its mass, is at least approximately 2% and at mostapproximately 6%.
 2. The sealing element according to claim 1, whereinthe main body of the sealing element has obtained at least part of itsfinal outer shape or only part of its final outer shape or its entirefinal outer shape by means of turning or machining.
 3. The sealingelement according to claim 1, wherein an inner side or underside of themain body facing towards the movable component in a mounted state of thesealing element comprises a surface produced by a finishing operationafter a shaping step.
 4. The sealing element according to claim 1,wherein a fluoropolymer content of the thermoplastic material, inrespect of its mass or its volume, is at least approximately 90%.
 5. Thesealing element according to claim 1, wherein a fluoropolymer content ofthe thermoplastic material, in respect of its mass or its volume, is atmost approximately 99%. 6.-10. (canceled)
 11. A method for producing asealing element, in particular the sealing element according to claim 1,comprising: producing a main body of the sealing element from apartially fluorinated or fully fluorinated thermoplastic material whichis injection-moldable, wherein a fluoropolymer content of theinjection-moldable partially fluorinated or fully fluorinatedthermoplastic material, in respect of its mass or its volume, is atleast approximately 85%, and wherein a carbon fiber content of theinjection moldable thermoplastic material, in respect of its mass, is atleast approximately 2% and at most approximately 6%.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 11, wherein the main body of the sealing elementobtains at least part of its final outer shape or only part of its finalouter shape or its entire final outer shape by means of turning ormachining.
 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein an inner sideor underside of the main body facing towards the movable component inthe mounted state of the sealing element is subjected to a finishingoperation after a shaping step.
 14. The method according to claim 11,wherein one or more sealing edges or indentations or recesses are formedor subjected to a finishing operation by means of turning or machining.15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the turning or machiningis performed with use of an axially and radially movable tool, which isguided axially and radially along the main body in accordance with aninner contour of said main body to be produced.
 16. The method accordingto claim 14, wherein the turning or machining is performed with use of atool which comprises a processing edge complementary to an inner contourof the main body to be produced.
 17. The method according to claim 16,wherein the tool is guided against the main body to be produced from theinside out in a radial direction in such a way that the desired innercontour of the main body is completed in a processing step without axialmovement.
 18. The method according to claim 11, wherein thethermoplastic material is produced as a compound material from(according to weight) approximately 94% fluoropolymer, approximately 4%carbon fiber, and approximately 2% graphite.
 19. The method according toclaim 11, wherein the thermoplastic material is brought in succession,in successive zones of a plasticizing unit of a compounding facility, tothe following temperatures: 80±20° C., 340±20° C., 360±20° C., 365±20°C., 350±20° C., 340±20° C.
 20. The method according to claim 11, whereinthe thermoplastic material is brought in succession, in successive zonesof a plasticizing unit of an injection molding facility for producingsealing elements, to the following temperatures: 350±20° C., 365±20° C.,370±20° C., 375±20° C., 380±20° C.
 21. The sealing element according toclaim 1, wherein the injection moldable thermoplastic material is acompound material which is producible or which is produced by means of acompounding facility.
 22. A sealing element for providing a seal betweena first media space filled with a first medium and a second media spacefilled with a second medium in a region of a movable component, which isguided or is guidable through the sealing element displaceably along alongitudinal axis of the movable component or rotatably along thelongitudinal axis, wherein the sealing element comprises a main body,which has two dynamic sealing portions which are abuttable against themovable component, wherein each dynamic sealing portion has a sealinglip, wherein each sealing lip comprises one or more sealing edges,wherein the main body is formed from a partially fluorinated or fullyfluorinated thermoplastic material which is injection moldable, whereina fluoropolymer content of the injection moldable thermoplasticmaterial, in respect of its mass or its volume, is at leastapproximately 85%, and wherein a carbon fiber content of the injectionmoldable thermoplastic material, in respect of its mass or its volume,is approximately 4%.
 23. The sealing element according to claim 22,wherein a graphite content of the thermoplastic material, in respect ofits mass or its volume, is approximately 2%.
 24. A sealing element forproviding a seal between a first media space filled with a first mediumand a second media space filled with a second medium in a region of amovable component, which is guided or is guidable through the sealingelement displaceably along a longitudinal axis of the movable componentor rotatably along the longitudinal axis, wherein the sealing elementcomprises a main body, which has two dynamic sealing portions which areabuttable against the movable component, wherein each dynamic sealingportion has a sealing lip, wherein each sealing lip comprises one ormore sealing edges, wherein the main body is formed from a partiallyfluorinated or fully fluorinated thermoplastic material which isinjection moldable, wherein a fluoropolymer content of the injectionmoldable thermoplastic material, in respect of its mass or its volume,is at least approximately 85%, wherein a carbon fiber content of theinjection moldable thermoplastic material, in respect of its mass or itsvolume, is at least approximately 0.5% and at most approximately 10%,and wherein a graphite content of the thermoplastic material, in respectof its mass or its volume, is at least approximately 0.5% and at mostapproximately 6%.
 25. The sealing element according to claim 1, whereinthe fluoropolymer content of the injection moldable thermoplasticmaterial, in respect of its mass, is approximately 94%.
 26. A highpressure fuel pump, comprising a piston and a sealing element forproviding a seal between a first media space filled with a first mediumand a second media space filled with a second medium in a region of thepiston, which is guided through the sealing element displaceably along alongitudinal axis of the piston, wherein the sealing element comprises amain body, which has two dynamic sealing portions which are abuttableagainst the piston, wherein each dynamic sealing portion has a sealinglip, wherein each sealing lip comprises one or more sealing edges,wherein the main body is formed from a partially fluorinated or fullyfluorinated thermoplastic material which is injection moldable, whereina fluoropolymer content of the injection moldable thermoplasticmaterial, in respect of its mass, is at least approximately 85%, andwherein a carbon fiber content of the injection moldable thermoplasticmaterial, in respect of its mass, is at least approximately 0.5% and atmost approximately 10%.